Sukhu inaugurates Shimla helicopter services, targets BJP over ₹1,000 crore waste

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) inaugurated helicopter services from Shimla’s Sanjauli heliport, launching daily flights to Bhuntar Airport in Kullu and Reckong Peo, along with thrice weekly connections to Chandigarh, in a move aimed at boosting air connectivity and tourism in the hill State.

The Chief Minister said the Congress government was focused on building essential infrastructure for residents and tourists, while accusing the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of wasting nearly ₹1,000 crore on buildings that remain unutilised and vacant.

He said the foundation stone of the Sanjauli heliport was laid on September 13, 2017, during the tenure of the Congress government. “The heliport has been constructed at a cost of approximately ₹15.86 crore. Although it was inaugurated on January 12, 2022, operations could not begin earlier due to the absence of clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Owing to the persistent efforts of the present State government, permission to operate flights was finally granted on August 7, 2025. Prior to this, the DGCA and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security conducted several inspections, and all security-related observations were duly addressed by the State government,” he said.

Expressing hope that the services would benefit stakeholders in the tourism sector, Mr. Sukhu said they would also prove useful during medical emergencies.

“The Sanjauli heliport is located close to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, which would make it extremely useful during medical emergencies. We are making continuous efforts to promote tourism, as Himachal Pradesh is renowned globally as a major tourist destination. The introduction of helicopter services will not only improve access to key tourist destinations but will also strengthen the overall air connectivity network in the State,” he said.